Dr. Kameny's speech employs Kairos in numerous ways, as his speech was given at a very crucial point in time for the gay community.
The court case he is commenting on was at the height of its controversy and its prominence in American minds (Kameny says the case "has achieved nationwide fame"). Thus, his arguments are likely to be heard by a much larger audience than otherwise. With his expanded audience, not only is he able to gather more support, but he also is able to confront the issue and inform the public about the discrimination that was occurring, which is just as important.
The speech was also given at the end of the 60s, which as we know was a very tumultuous period of cultural and social change. Thus, people were much more likely to be receptive of new ideas concerning gays than in a previous decade. Even still, many people were afraid of gays, especially since they had only recently started being public about it. People didn't understand homosexuality or what larger implications it might have, which led to prejudice. Dr. Kameny was fully aware of the uncertainty, misinformation, and fear concerning the gay community, so he employed the use of a slogan, "Gay in Good," in order to foster acceptance in the public.
Hilary Clinton's speech also contains Kairos in that her speech is on the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, her speech was given at a time when gays were much more accepted. Dr. Kameny faced far more antagonism and opposition.
Good job relating the speech to its time period. It is helpful to to let the audience know about the societal and cultural changes of the 60s. It shows that Kameny had a good kairotic moment. However, there were some parts where you used present tense where past tense should have been used, like "Thus, his arguments are likely to be heard by a much larger audience than otherwise."
ReplyDelete-Mary